Fáilte! I’m Cassie Stokes – Presenter of “Best Of” Pubs, Food & Travel and as part of OpenTable Ireland’s blog launch, I’m pleased to be sharing my personal recommendations of the best local restaurants in Dublin in collaboration with OpenTable.
There are so many amazing restaurants to try in Dublin, I think there’s something for everyone and every mood. There’s an impressive mix of different cuisines from all over the world in the city; from Japanese izakayas and New Orleans-inspired bars, to renowned chef led restaurants and historic drinking hole pubs.
I get asked all the time about the best pubs and restaurants to visit when in Dublin, so here’s a list of some of my favourite foodie destinations that serve outstanding food in Dublin – all bookable today on OpenTable. Read on for a guide to my top Dublin faithfuls.
The best local restaurants in Dublin for casual vibes, drinks and food
Yamamori Izakaya Japas and Sake Bar in South City Centre
This Japanese restaurant is by far my favourite spot in Dublin. Serving delicious sushi alongside stellar cocktails, the staff is amazing and there’s always a good vibe. Whether it’s for a romantic date night, group dining with friends or even dining solo, this is the perfect go-to destination; I couldn’t recommend it enough! They also have sister restaurants around the city, one across the road and one on the north of the city.
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Amy Austin in South City Centre
Amy Austin is a casual restaurant and wine bar in the city centre, located at the entrance of a car park – bear with me here! It’s compact and laid-back and I love it. The menu featured meats and cheese boards alongside shareable small plates which are my favourite type of plate at the moment. Expect lively vibes, brilliant service, a top wine selection and creative cocktails. The restaurant was recently added to the 2024 MICHELIN Guide in Ireland.
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Hakkahan in Stoneybatter
Expect casual vibes and delicious Chinese food at Hakkahan in Stoneybatter, a lively neighbourhood gem about a 10-minute drive from the city centre. The menu is short and the interiors are compact too, but I’m happy with small when the food is that tasty. They do Sichuan-style dishes really well here. If the weather is nice and you manage to grab a table out the front on a summer evening, it’s a special place. My favourite item on the menu is the cucumber salad and the seabass.
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Drury Buildings in South City Centre
Drury Buildings is another go-to of mine. What I love the most about this place is the layout and seating areas. When the weather is nice, you can sit out the front in the sun or out the back in the cute courtyard. but inside is also great, I love it all. It’s a good, reliable place for any occasion, whether it’s for drinks with friends, dinner or just a casual lunch. Service is great, drinks are plentiful and they have an extensive menu with lots of options featuring tapas-style shareable plates alongside bigger main options.
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Nan Chinese Restaurant on Dame Street
Located right in the city centre, Nan Chinese is a modern Chinese restaurant. The soup dumplings here are amazing and their other offerings of Chinese dishes are great too, but you have to get their dumplings. Service is friendly and warm, they have Asian beers which are my favourite.
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Krewe North in North City Centre
A New Orleans inspired bar in the city centre, Krewe North is good solid place on the north side of Dublin, Krewe is a lively local hangout that’s always busy so don’t forget to book in advance. If I’m looking for a casual Saturday or Sunday lunch I love popping there for a bloody mary with tequila and a bowl of their famous mac and cheese. The staff is welcoming, and vibrant atmosphere is always.
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Lucky Tortoise in Temple Bar
A casual place for dim sum in the heart of the city. I’d go in here for a late lunch on my own, a casual night out with friends or a date night. Dumplings are good here, they also do a set menu which is a crowd-favourite.
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The best local restaurants in Dublin for date nights and special occasions
Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill on Dawson Street
My favourite place to go for a special occasion, I went for my birthday this year. Food is great, staff is lovely and it’s worth every penny. It’s a traditional fancy restaurant that has a nice and welcoming atmosphere. I love sitting outside the front area which is covered and watching the world go by while enjoying a prawn cocktail, which comes served in a glass (my favourite). The steak here is also amazing, truly one of my favourite spots in the city.
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Grano in Stoneybatter
One of the best Italian restaurants in the city, great for a special occasion. You will have to book well in advance on OpenTable to secure your spot. If you manage to get a booking, lucky you! It’s a wonderful experience with great service and pasta made fresh while you enjoy your food. Really worth a visit out there.
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Charlottes Quay on Grand Canal Dock
Charlottes Quay is a cool restaurant and bar on the waterfront over the Grand Canal, and a great destination for a date night. The lovely dining area out the front is ideal for catching the evening sun when the weather is nice. They do lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. I’m a big fan of this spot when I find myself in this area.
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Host in Ranelagh
One of my favourite restaurants in the city, and a great spot for celebrating a special occasion. When I’m in there I don’t feel like I’m in Dublin, I could be in London or in New York. The shared menu is amazing and pasta dishes are out of this world, but my favourite has to be their steak. Wonderful.
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SOLE Seafood & Grill on South William Street
A busy restaurant with a great vibe in the city centre on South William Street, this is a lovely spot to treat yourself and whoever else you want to bring to a memorable dinner completed with chic, stylish interiors, seafood platters and locally-sourced fish. A special occasion restaurant that’s perfect for a celebratory meal
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The Butcher Grill in Ranelagh
A really cool spot in Ranelagh that serves some of the best food in the city, in particular steak and seafood. A must-visit restaurant to treat yourself to a delicious dinner, perfect for a romantic date night and also a great shout for a Sunday roast.
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The best local pubs in Dublin
The Storyteller on Grand Canal Street
The Storyteller is the newest pub on the block. It’s a great spot for a drink and some food if you’re in the area. Staff is brilliant, the menu offers classic pub food and it’s a must-visit place to watch a match.
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Johnny Fox’s in Glencullen
Johnny Fox’s is one of the most iconic pubs in Dublin. Serving some of the best food in the city, especially seafood, this pub is as Irish as it gets. Hosting Irish dancing shows in one section of the pub, it’s well worth a visit whether you fancy some live Irish music along with pints and classic pub grubs.
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Cassie Stokes has been gracing Irish screens for years now, starting with a presenting role on Xpose. Since then she has worked with Irish media houses from Lovin Dublin to Her.ie on projects that highlighted some of the best experiences, food and much more. Now Cassie is using her social platform to do the same, her hit series ‘Best Of’ has ranged from restaurants and cafes, to books and hikes; showcasing some of the best places across Ireland and the UK. If you’re looking for a recommendation for a good pint in a traditional pub, Cassie is your go-to woman. Her fun and uplifting content showcases her passion for all things Ireland and her growing following proves that everyone loves the Irish charm.
